Castlewellan GAC Notes

Winning an All-Ireland will always be an achievement in itself. Doing it again the following year takes a superb effort. On Saturday past St Colman’s Newry retained the Hogan Cup after a titanic struggle with their traditional rivals on the All-Ireland stage St Jarlath’s of Tuam by one point. Well done to the whole squad especially our own Michael Cunningham who was the sub goalkeeper on the day. We know the work he puts into has craft and our Club is proud of this great achievement writes MARTIN MACLEAN.

There were a couple of famous visitors to the club on Saturday. The club hosted the first Under-10 Go Games Hurling Blitz of the year with Liatroim, Ballela, Shamrocks, Clonduff, Warrenpoint and Ballyvarley all present along with our Under-10 Hurling Team. Diarmuid O’Sullivan the former All-Ireland winning & All-Star Cork full-back from the famed Cloyne club called in to meet the many young hurlers present. ‘The Rock’ was busy signing his autograph on sticks and jerseys.

Well done! Michael Cunningham with the Hogan Trophy and McCrory Cup.

Thank you to Rónán Sheehan who had invited Diarmuid north for a coaching session with the An Dún Theas squad ahead of their league pay-off against Tyrone. Later in the day the National Director of Hurling, Tipperary native, Paudie Butler, dropped in to meet some members of the ball wall committee and discuss options for the siting of a ball wall that will undoubtedly enhance the skills of all our young players in all codes and hopefully resurrect handball in the town.

A measure of how much the club has progressed in hurling was underlined this week with five of our underage club hurlers playing for local schools in a tournament in Belfast. Ronan Barr and Joe Cunningham were playing for St Colman’s Newry, and Sean Hardy, Jake Carville & Christian Keown playing for St Patrick’s High School Downpatrick. Congratulations and well done to all involved.

The Under-12 Hurling Team travelled to Liatroim for the first game on Thursday night and found the going tough against the home side. The next game is at home next Thursday. Players meet at club at 6pm.

Hurling for Under-6, Under-8 and Under-10 next Thursday at 6.15pm

Castlewellan will host the annual Féile na nGael Under 14 Hurling and Camogie tournament next weekend. There will be no Saturday morning training in St Malachy’s Park.

The Under-16 Hurlers fell short this week against a strong Newry Shamrocks who beat them comprehensively.

Castlewellan Under 12’s got their League season off to a winning start with a 5-7 to 1-7 win away to St. Johns on Sunday afternoon. Jordan Valentine made some great saves in goals and in defence, Daniel Cunningham, Sean Keown and Callum McKibben were in outstanding form. Adam Garland had a tremendous game in midfield, catching some great balls and providing support to the forward line at every opportunity. Up front James McAleenan scored four goals and was ably assisted by Ethan Aulds and Daire McVeigh. Team: Jordan Valentine, Daniel Cunningham, Ruairi Howell, Adam McAleese (0-1), Sean Keown, Adam Garland (0-3), Ruairi McGuinness (0-1), James McAleenan (4-0), Callum McKibben(0-1), Daire McVeigh (1-0), Ethan Aulds (0-1), Cahal Caldwell, Niall Garland, Conor Keenan, Oisin O’Toole, Mark Rice, Brian Brannigan, Callum McCabe, Eoin Maginn, Cleveland Boyle, Jamie Hynds, Dara Tumelty.

The Town Seconds Team lost out by four points to a very strong Kilcoo Team on Sunday afternoon in a tough game at winners venue.

iarmud O'Sullivan from Cork with the young hurlers from Castlewellan.

* The Thirds Team got off to a great start in the League against Dundrum on Sunday evening. Behind at half-time by seven points and playing against a deceptively strong wind, a master stroke by the Team Manager the Legend that is Harry Toner turned this game around by placing ‘The Bear’ in ‘The Square’ after half-time. The Bear yielded a personal tally of 4-03. Great to see Brian McGeown and Conor Boyle back in the green jersey and putting in creditable performances. The younger players Stevie Connolly and Conal Corrigan give a very good account of themselves. Fine performance at midfield from Gregory McCartan. I am afraid miss of the week goes to Gerard Rice. Can someone please show him how to put the ball over the line from one yard! Nice to see Brian Dougherty getting an eight minute cameo role as a water boy in the 6-11 to 1-11 win.

* Our Senior Ladies failed to get off to a winning start against a strong Carryduff outfit. In fairness it is the Ladies first outing of the year so I am sure there will be an improvement in their performance as the season gallops pace.

* Or Ladies Camogie Team took to the field against Ballela last week for the first time in many years. It was great to see a fantastic effort being made by the older players who found the going was tough. That said it was enjoyable return despite a defeat to a more established team.

* The Under 14 Camogie team were beaten by Portaferry on Saturday past at the Ards venue. Great performances by Caitlin Small and Becky White.

*The Under-14 Ladies Footballers had a good win in their opening league match against Bredagh with a 4-10 to 1-10 win. Again a great performance from the whole team especially Anna Rogan and Caitlin Small.

* We are issuing a final reminder of our heart screening programme for our younger players/members. Please contact Miceal Crilly on 07920875642. The final deadline for submitted applications is 17 April 2011. All applications must be accompanied by the £35.00 fee. This is a very worthwhile programme being provided by the Club

* Can we remind all members again of the clothes collection in aid of club funds which will take place on 26 April. All clean clothes, belts, shoes, coats or anything which can be worn please contact Noreen Keown and she will arrange for collection.

* The tote numbers for the 10 /04/11 were 9, 10, 12, & 18 There were no winners this week. Jackpot next week £5950.